"The bonfire at Beckett Park was the culmination of the EMPIRE DAY/CELEBRATIONS in Surrey Hills in 1935 and 1936. In 1937 vandals lit the fire prematurely but residents hastily rebuilt it - about / 100 tons including old tyres. A volunteer fire-watcher had his caravan close by until lights-up time on Saturday night. / Courtesy Ian Barkla. / see 180 (handwritten on backing board)." / "BONFIRE BUILDING at BECKETT PARK/EMPIRE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN 1930s/ The celebrations were centred on the/ shopping centres in Surrey Hills and/Mont Albert to boost local business (and/ the spirits of residents) after the Depression./ - from a glass negative - Mr Ian Barkla."Image depicting the building of a large bonfire made primarily from rubber tyres, supported by a wooden frame c1937/8. There is a significant crowd of people watching the erection of the pyre from ground level. Several members of the crowd are seated or holding bicycles. There are multiple persons situated on the pyre or on a ladder propped up against the mound of tyres. The area containing the pyre has been fenced off with rope (?). A white coloured caravan in situated to the right (facing) of the bonfire in close proximity to a dark coloured car. Two stone towers and a park bench are also visible in the image.Black and white, W 25.3 cm x H 20.3 cm, landscapeparks and reserves, beckett park, balwyn, bicycles, crowds, empire day, depression 1929-1939, economic depression, frank leslie barkla, bonfires

This book presents a rich picture of a nation in the making. The negative aspects of Australian immigration are not glossed over and it looks at the terrible consequences for the Aboriginal people, the nineteenth century Chinese experience and the migrant hostel riots of 1952, among its many other topics. Michael Dugan lived locally in Surrey Hills. This book was commissioned by/for: Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs.The book has a place in this collection by virtue of Michael Dugan having been a local resident.This book presents a rich picture of a nation in the making. The negative aspects of Austaralian immigration are not glossed over and it looks at the terrible consequences for the Aboriginal people, the nineteenth century Chinese experience and the migrant hostel riots of 1952, among its many other topics.Surrey Hills History(mr) michael dugan, (mr) josef szwarc, immigration, social interaction, social life and customs, ethnic communties, multiculturalism, history - australia

Stories of the backgrounds of a cross-section of City of Boroondara residents focusing on how they came to live in Australia and in the City of Boroondara in particular. Many were based on oral histories. Commissioned by the City of Boroondara, the team behind "From Many Lands" also received a Local History Award, which allowed them to mount a small touring exhibition. Two Surrey Hills people contributed to the book: Margaret Grossman (nee Sarovich) and Zdzislawa (June) Wasylkowski; photo of Walter Ives also included. Sue Barnett interviewed June Wasylkowski; the interview is part of the Surrey Hills Historical Society collection. Both Margaret (Peg) and June were members of the Surrey Hills Historical Society. Martin Foot was a Council staff member at the time of publication.H 24.7 cm(ms) ruth mclean, (mrs) margaret grossman, (miss) margaret sarovich, (mrs) zdzislawa june wasylkowski, immigrants, oral history, boroondara, (mr) walter ives, sue barnett, june wasylkowski

Marjorie Morgan noticed a beautiful wood carving of gumleaves and gumnuts by John Blogg. The carving, donated by a Box Hill resident, is in the impressive art collection of the City of Whitehorse. The more Marjorie researched the more she felt his achievements should not be permitted to disappear into the mists of time. This collection of poems was compiled by Marjorie Morgan, collected from the local newspaper "The Reporter" (Box Hill) and in 1927 a book of poems entitled "Selected Poems", "Modern Roses in Australasia", "American Rose Magazine" and "The Australian Rose Annual" during his lifetime and for 10 years after his death in 1936.This collection of poems was compiled by Marjorie Morgan, collected from the local newspaper "The Reporter" (Box Hill) and in 1927 a book of poems entitled "Selected Poems", "Modern Roses in Australasia", "American Rose Magazine" and "The Australian Rose Annual" during his lifetime and for 10 years after his death in 1936.(mr) john kendrick blogg, poetry, literature, (mrs) marjorie morgan

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di purchased this dress as a vintage item. Elvie Hill (1917-2018) was a Melbourne fashion designer and a longtime Brighton resident. She established her eponymous label and became well-known for her elegant and feminine designs. She dressed some of Australia's best known women, including Lady Sonia McMahon and Dame Pattie Menzies, and was also known for her boutiques in Melbourne (the last store closed in 1991). She retired in 1999, aged 80.Long-sleeved silk chiffon evening dress with yellow/gold floral print and brown, red and black border at hem. Ruffled neckline and cuffs. Snap fastenings at cuffs and zip at back. Matching silk chiffon sash.Label, inside collar, black on white: "ELVIE HILL / OF MELBOURNE" Label inside seam: "SIZE 10 / TO FIT / Bust 80cm"di reidie, vintage clothing, melbourne designers, elvie hill, 1970s

This dress belonged to Brighton local Paula Folks, who wore it to her niece's wedding at St John's, Toorak in 1970. It also bears a second connection to Brighton through the label, Elegance, a Flinders Lane fashion house co-owned by Rudy Brill and Brighton resident Robert Salter. Paula was a longtime manager and owner of Pearl's Boutique, a well-known local fashion boutique established by Elsebe Wilhelmine Wills and Pearl Murray in 1965. The two friends had grown up together in Horsham, and decided to go into business together after reading in Fashionweek that women in their thirties, forties, fifties and older had trouble finding young-looking styles. Setting out to fill this gap in the market, they established a store at 240 St Kilda Street, near the Brighton Yacht Club, with Elsebe handled the buying while Pearl fronted the shop. They moved to 40 Church Street, Brighton in 1967. Paula joined the business as a manager in 1968, became a partner in 1971 and took over from the original owners in 1988. When she closed the boutique in 2005, she donated a number of garments to Brighton Historical Society. Reflecting fondly on her 38 years at Pearls, she told The Age, "I have enjoyed all my days here because people are special to me. I love fashion. It's been a pleasure to dress people, to make them look good and feel pleased with themselves."Cream terylene chiffon dress with all-over daisy appliqués. High band collar with v-shaped scoop at back. Sheer long sleeves with gathered cuffs.Label: "miss Elegance / TERYLENE".pearl's boutique, pearl's of brighton, paula folks, 1970s, flinders lane, melbourne designers, robert salter, rudy brill, miss elegance, elegance

Photographs taken of various activities that occurred at the Association for the Blind's nursing home in Bendigo - Mirridong. These include clients sitting outside (for possibly the opening of a new wing or a street parade), staff participating at a local fete, volunteers/staff playing games with residents, reading newspapers, receiving visitors and awards for gardening activities.8 B/W photographs of clients, staff and volunteers at Mirridongassociation for the blind, mirridong home (bendigo)

Local newspaper photographs taken at the Association for the Blind's Kelaston home in Ballarat. 044 - View of the Kelaston sign and grounds in Howitt Street. 045 - Mr Roy King presented with a plaque in honour of his service. 046 - L to R: Lynne Klien, two residents, Mona Dynon, Laurie Hay (day centre coordinator) upon the occasion of Laurie's retirement. 052 - L to R: Ruby Blake, Don Dunstan (manager of Kelaston) and another nursing home resident. 054 - L to R: unknown, Dianne Kerr, Bob de Little and a visitor look on in the craft room.5 x B/W photographs of Kelaston nursing homeassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), dianne kerr

These sashes were awarded to Frank Pevitt a successful runner in the late 1940's and early 1950's. The year 1954 was when Frank finally came into his own. In March he came second in the mile and two miles in Bendigo and then, a week later, won the Lilydale Gift and the Eighty five pound prize. In April he won the two-mile Grampian Stakes at Stawell. In a large field of 81 starters, he won by five yards. Following this, he came a creditable third in the Bendigo Guineas. To cap off the year, at the end of December he won the Port Fairy Mile from John Barmby, 'effortlessly' according to the Argus newspaper. In 1955 Frank won the mile at the Orford Sports Club meeting and then decided to retire from running More information on Frank's career as a runner can be found in 'Icons of Port Fairy' a book published by the Port Fairy Historical Society which contains information on objects and people 'Iconic' in our area.These sashes are representative of local resident Frank Pevitt's athletics career and the part that sport played in the early 20th century2 sashes royal blue, a. Port Fairy mile, metal badge with metal badge of wreath & athlete, metallic fringe. b. Orford - textile fringea. PF Athletic Club/PF mile, 1954/presented by Hanley Bros/ Proprietors PF Gazette/won by F.D.Pevitt b. Orford Sports Carnival/Orford Mile/15-1-55/won by F.D.Pevittlocal history, trophies & awards, sports, athletics, frank pevitt, orford, port fairy

This model was part of a panorama consisting of 11 pieces designed from drawings in an 1892 almanac printed by Port Fairy Gazette The panorama was used in the Historical Society rooms in Bank St. On an extended mantel piece, before being relocate to Gipps Street. It was made by a member of the Port Fairy Historical Society Mr Allan mewkill.This model was made as a part of an eleven piece panorama of the streetscape of Port Fairy in 1892. By a local resident of the town.Small hand made model of a shop front from the 1892 almanac. T. Storey Taiiormodel, bank street, almanac, alan mewkill, t.storey, tailor

This model was part of a panorama of 11 pieces designed from photos in an 1892 almanac printed by Port Fairy Gazette. The Panorama was used in the Historical Society rooms in Bank Street. On an extended mantel piece, before being relocate to Gipps Street.This model was made as part of an eleven piece panorama of the streetscape of Port Fairy in 1892. By a local resident of the townSmall hand made model of a shop front from the 1892 almanac and small gold and black painted sign that stated "Port Fairy 1892" Dublin House Russell & Powell Dublin House .1 Port Fairy 1892model, mewkill, bank street, almanac

This model was part of a panorama of 11 pieces designed from drawings in an 1892 almanac Printed by Port Fairy Gazette. The panorama was used in the History Society rooms in Bank St Port Fairy on an extended mantel piece, before the Museum and Archives were relocated to Gipps Street Port FairyThis model was made as a part of an eleven piece panorama of the streetscape of Port Fairy in 1892. By a local resident of the town.Small hand made 3D model of a shop front from the 1892 AlmanacAlbion House 1854 Hutton Bros.sackville street, model, mewkill, almanac, albion house, bank street

This model was part of a panorama of 11 pieces designed from drawings in an 1892 almanac printed by the Port Fairy Gazette. The panorama was used in the Historical rooms in Bank Street on an extended mantle piece before the museum and Archives were relocated to Gipps Street.This model was made as a part of an eleven piece panorama of the streetscape of Port Fairy in 1892. By a local resident.small hand made model of a shop front from the 1892 almanacTailoring Establishment John Sickler Gazette Officemodel, panorama, sackville street, mewkill, almanac, bank street

This model was part of eleven pieces designed from an almanac in 1892 printed by the Port Fairy Gazette. The panorama was used in the historical Society rooms in Bank Street on an extended mantle piece, before the Museum and Archives relocated to Gipps StreetThis model was made as a part of an eleven piece model of the streetsccape of Port Fairy in 1892. By a local resident of the town.Small hand made model of a shop front from the 1892 almanacA.W. Handricks Saddlerpanorama, model, mewkill, almanac, bank street

This model was part of a panorama consisting of 11 pieces designed from drawings in 1892 Almanac from the Port Fairy Gazette. The Panorama was used in a historical display in the historical society rooms in Bank Street from the late 1970's to 1992 when the Historical Society moved to the Court House in Gipps Street Port FairyThis Panorama was part of an eleven piece Panorama of the Streetscape of Port Fairy in 1982. Made by a local resident.Small handmade model of a shop front from the 1892 almanac.J.W.Haymes. Watchmaker panorama, model, j w haymes, watchmaker, bank street

This model was part of a panorama 11 piece designs from an almanac in 1892 Port Fairy Gazette. The Panorama was used in a Historical Display in the historical society rooms in Bank Street This Panorama was part of an eleven piece Panorama of the Streetscape of Port Fairy in 1982. Made by a local resident.Large handmade model of a Factory front from the 1892 almanac.Webb Bros Cordial Makers Port Fairy Aerorated Water and Cordial Factory Webb Bros. William Street Port Fairypanorama, webb bros, model, almanac, a mewkill

This model was part of a panorama of 11 pieces designed from an almanac in the 1892 Port Fairy Gazette. The Panorama was used in a Historical Display in the historical society rooms in Bank Street but displays the more modern use when the building became the property of the Port Fairy Historical SocietyThis Panorama was part of an eleven piece Panorama of the Streetscape of Port Fairy in 1982. Made by a local resident.Small handmade model of a shop front from the 1892 almanac.In glass display box. Filled with furniture and display cases as it was in the early 1970`sBuilt 1889 Purchased Port Fairy Historical Society as their headquarters Members Welcome Now open Windows "Port Fairy Historical Society" This is model of 24 Bank Street First Museum 1977-1992panorama, model, almanac, historical society, bank street, mewkill

xii+324, half-title page vignette, 16 plates, endpaper plan, bibliography, index; med. 8vo; dust wrapper,non-fictionVictoria. Port Fairy, 1837-1887 Index. Bibliographyvictoria. port fairy, 1837-1887., port fairy, victoria -- history., victoria -- port fairy., port fairy (vic.) -- history., j.w.powling, book

This telegram was sent from the Royal Netherlands Airways, Sydney, to the manager of ABC Radio Station 2CO, Corowa, New South Wales. This telegram relates to the 1934 London to Melbourne Air Race. The telegram records the Royal Netherlands Airways' thanks to ABC Radio 2CO radio staff for their efforts in broadcasting an emergency message to the residents of Albury after the Dutch airliner ‘Uiver’ became lost at night in bad weather. As requested local radio listeners drove their cars to the Albury racecourse and illuminated an emergency landing ground using their vehicle headlights. This allowed the lost airliner to land safely.This item relates to the London to Melbourne Air Race of 1934, a significant event that shaped Australia's history as it proved travelling to and from Australia could be done within a reasonable time by air, thereby making the country less isolated. Up to that time Australia was three weeks away from Europe by steam ship. The Air Race was dreamt up by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Harold Smith, to commemorate the centenary of Victoria's statehood and was sponsored by the Melbourne chocolate manufacturer Sir MacPherson Robertson. The Royal Netherlands Airways entered a Douglas DC2 plane 'Uiver' - the largest aircraft in the race, and the only one to carry passengers as well as crew, to show that a commercial passenger service to Australia was possible. But in the last leg of the race, the Uiver lost its way in an electrical storm over the Riverina town of Albury. Several communication methods were used to land the plane safely, including the signalling of the word "Albury" in Morse code using the town's street lights. Local ABC Radio station 2CO also made a call for locals to light up a makeshift landing strip for the plane at the town's racecourse. The plane landed safely and the next morning with the help of the townspeople who pulled it out of the mud, took off and finished the race in second place. The story of the Uiver points to the importance of communication in its various forms: two-way and broadcast radio, Morse, and light signals. The survival of the Uiver is a reflection of the ingenuity of Australian communications and the solutions that can be found through the sharing of ideas of information. The landing of the Uiver was an important moment in Albury's social history, as residents participated in the rescue of the plane and its passengers, helping the Uiver to continue on its journey and finish second in the Race. When the Uiver crashed in the Syrian Desert in December 1934, Albury residents contributed to a memorial which honoured those who were killed. Beige paper telegram printed with black ink and overwritten with typewriter. Telegram split into sections designating details of the telegram, details of the recipient and a space for the transmitted message. A small section of paper is missing from bottom left corner."Extend to you my warmest appreciation for your most valuable / assistance rendered to Netherlands machine by continuously keeping your / wireless organisation available during a period of extremely difficult / air navigation stop I assure you that in Holland and in Java your action / is most deeply appreciated Bakker chief representative in Australia for / Royal Netherlands airways. / 6 18pm"telegrams, telegraphic messages, communications, radio, uiver, royal netherlands airways, albury, london to melbourne air race, morse code

Donations for structural improvements were often acknowledged via plaques. These plaques were on the walls of Kelaston then later the Vision Australia office in Ballarat until it closed in 2021. Anna Jane Bolte was a resident of Kelaston whose son, Sir Henry Bolte became the longest serving Victorian Premier. William Buckland Trust supported safe housing for vulnerable Australians, such as the residents of Kelaston. Other generous local donors who were also acknowledged are Thomas & Cora Turnbull and the work of Mrs C.M. (Edith) Nunn, who joined the Ballarat Auxiliary in 1949 as they sought development of a home for the blind.Digital images of cast bronze plaquesThe Anna Jane Bolte Room Named in memory of the late Anna Jane Bolte, a resident of Kelaston, in recognition of the service given by her son, the Honourable Sir Henry Bolte, G.C.M.G., as Chairman of the Guiding Light Appeal 1974. 20 April, 1979 In recognition & appreciation of the financial assistance received from the William Buckland Estate, 1979. This plaque acknowledges outstanding service to the blind people of the Ballarat district from 1948 until her death in 1975 by the late Mrs C.M. (Edna) Nunn, 1979. This room commemorates the generous support to Kelaston by Thomas & Cora Turnbull.nameplates, kelaston

He was chairman when the ill fated fire occurred at the Shire Office in Sackville Street, and which later led to the conviction of the Engineer, Mr D.J.Howes who was soon after reprieved, upon a potion by 758 ratepayers and residents of the district.Black and white portraitbelfast, meagher, president, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government, howes

This rug was a gift and gesture of friendship from the local Muslim community to the City of Greater Bendigo. It was presented to Mayor, Cr Rod Fyffe on behalf of the people of Bendigo at a 2016 'Thank You Bendigo' dinner. In 2014 approval for a planning application from the Bendigo Islamic Association to build a community centre and mosque in East Bendigo prompted a series of public protests that captured widespread media attention. During this tumultuous period the Council identified the need for a community-wide plan to promote diversity and help address potentially divisive cultural issues. These events led to the COGB becoming the first local government area (LGA) formally accredited under Australia’s Welcoming Cities Standard. Community leaders emerged who wanted to show that the anti-mosque protesters did not reflect the views of the majority of Bendigo residents. The community lead ‘Believe in Bendigo’ movement gained momentum, and the Council and other local organisations joined forces to present a unified message that Bendigo residents do not tolerate racism. Muslims have made Central Victoria their home since the Goldrush, contributing to the community and the economy for the past 120 years. Traditional Islamic rugs, especially their patterns and motifs are intrinsically linked with the design of the Bendigo Mosque and Bendigo Islamic Community Centre providing important points of reference for the architects of the project. Typically, mosques are linked with specific cultural groups but not in the case of Bendigo where the Muslim community is made up of multi-ethnic groups. This meant the building's design was not fixed to a specific style or cultural iconography but instead needed to encompass many. The small local Muslim community selected a specific Australian architect because of their interest and knowledge of Islamic design and iconography gained through family collection of Islamic textiles. In thinking about the design of the mosque and community centre the architects wanted to acknowledge the role of Afghans in Australian history, especially tribal Afghans who helped build connections across the interior of Australia between First Nations communities, European settlers and Central Asian migrants. The gift of this Turkmen rugto the Bendigo community thus symbolises collaborative partnerships across faith and cultural groups based on friendship and mutual benefit. A Turkman rug was specifically chosen as it is the pinnacle of nomadic arts of the Islamic world. It was also important to the architects and the local Muslim community that the gift was a female artistic product as it was mainly a female Muslim architecture team that designed the mosque in Bendigo and there was a desire to select something that celebrated female artistry. This hand-woven rug is an engsi, made for a woman in preparation for marriage. Design work and weaving is a shared experience, between many generations of women and each rug hold the personal story of the woman it is made for and her family and thus holds deep symbolic meaning. There are often songs and poetry that are recited as the rug is made – helping the makers to memorisze the mathematical structure of the design. An engsi is put on the doorway to a yurt as part of a wedding ceremony. During the ceremony the groom turns the engsii upside down to check the quality of the rug makers weaving skills. The nomadic lifestyle of Yomut Turkman tribes determines the size of the rug as the loom can’t be carried. Its size is also restricted by the dimensions of the doorway of the yurt. This rug is dated as c 1880 because of the types of patterns used, the use of natural dyes (synthetic dyes were introduced to the area in 1890s) and with the smoother weaving on the back indicating the quality of craftsmanship dating to this time period. The Yomut engsi rug was made in Turkmenistan c1880 by Yomut Turkmen Tribes people and is designed to fit over the doorway of a yurt during a wedding ceremony. The main field motif is related to Turkoman jewelery design. The women and girls of the tribe spin the wool and design and weave the rugs. The men shear the sheep, dye the wool and clip the rug after it has been woven. The word “Turkoman” is thought to have been derived from Turk-iman, meaning the first nomadic Turkic tribes that began to follow Islam. Dyes used are natural including orange from madder root. bendigo mosque, bendigo islamic association, city of greater bendigo community partnerships, city of greater bendigo community groups

Mabel nee Abraham Rogers produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skillfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. About “Melton Amateurs” and forerunners….. Melton people have always been Active in giving and enjoying Concerts and Amateur Theatricals presented by local talent. Wile is it not possible to mention everybody; names like George Gardiner, Stan Hardy, Jim Murchison, Rita Summers, Annie Riddell, Ethel MacPherson, Harold Bainbridge, Jack Mcguire, Greta Jongebloed, Mary Coburn, Elsie McCorkell, Linda Cameron, Marjorie Myers, Aggie Ross, Bob Butler, bring happy memories to older residents. Over the years, the names change, but the talent is always there, and freely used to give pleasure to others. the Caledonian Society was active about 1925. The Melton Competitions, 1937-37 were very successful and attracted much local and outside talent. The Melton Social and Dramatic Club was operative during the same years, and gave several shows. The first “Melton Amateurs” production was a Revue, in 1950. This was followed by other Reviews, Pantomimes, One-act and Three-act plays, and Musical Comedy. Do you remember Bessie, bob and Barrie Bardsley, and Shirley and Marie Jongebloed, Shirley Wallace, Bill Abraham, Joan Jenkins, Peg Arandt, Winifred Fraser and many other? "Comedy Tonight" prrogramme by the Melton Amateurslocal identities

Born in October 1915 The life of Fred Hunter, a Melton resident, article featured in Fairfax community Newspapers local identities

Electricity – 1939 eeb Express Dec 9th 1937 Electric Light Petition First combined (schools) sports meeting, Melton south, Rockbank, Mt Cotterell, Toolern Vale, Sydenham West, Melton Park, Exford. Jack Wallace Starter, G Wilson (ref) G McDonald, F Ryan judges. A G Macdonald Gate Keeper, A Bamford, E W Barrie, S Rogers Announcers. M P A call meeting for 24th March Two or three progressive residence of Melton township are still pushing quietly for a water scheme for Melton and extension of electricity service expected to be provided for the beam wireless station a Rockbank. One of these has gone so far as to seek opinion of an independent engineer regarding the possibility of township water supply. May 1 1937 A move to combine in Melton Shire Council to convene a public meeting to agitiate for extension of the Electric Supply to Melton is being undertaken by the Progress Association and the Hall Committee. Melton Progress Association and Melton Mechanics Institute Committee joined in a decision to request Melton Shire Council to call a Public Meeting to push for extension of Yallourn electricity to Rockbank and Melton June 12th July 3rd Residents of Melton and Rockbank have an opportunity to reveal attitude towards proposed extension a result of MSC in convincing a public meeting MMI support from Amalgamated Wireless A/Asia Ltd directors Mr Townsing to preside which had been convened by MPAssoc and MMI nicely timed as SEC estimates for ensuing year known to be in course of preperation. Saturday 17th July 1937 Melton Move for Electricity. Meeting shows ….. extensive article …. meetin appointed Messrs Butler and Barrie canvass the town Dec 9th 1939 Mechanics Institute floor to be prepared next week Electricity installed in Melton, article featured in the Melton Expresslocal significant events

"Hannah ‘Grannie’ Wattsis one of Melton’s mostcelebrated and cherished pioneers. Born in Ireland in 1831, Hannah immigrated to Australia with her husband George Byrns in 1854. Moving to Melton, they built a wattle and daub hut home where they lived with their four children until George was tragically killed in 1860. Unusually for the time, Hannah purchased land in her own name in the Melton township in 1863. Later that same year she married William Watts and together they moved to Toolern Vale and built a bluestone and mud brick home. It is believed that while travelling to Australia, Hannah assisted the ship surgeon and demonstrated a natural aptitude for the tasks assigned to her. When she was living in Melton she assisted other women in an unofficial capacity as neighbourhood midwife, while also working on her farm and raising her six children. By 1887, however, her reputation as a midwife had grown to such an extent that she was able to establish her own practice. William Watts died in 1874, but Hannah remained in Toolern Vale for the next twenty years. In 1894, she moved into the Melton township and built Lynch Cottage on the corner of Yuille and Sherwin streets, near Toolern Vale Creek. There she assisted in the births of hundreds of Melton residents, as well as the laying out of the deceased. Meticulous in her record keeping, Hannah Watts recorded the details of a total of 442 births between the years 1886 and 1921. Lynch Cottage was officially registered as a private hospital in 1911 and Hannah was listed in the Victorian Register of Midwives in 1917. Hannah Watts died on 21 October 1921, a few months after she assisted with the delivery of her final baby, Thomas Watts Minns. She was 90 years old. Hannah was buried in Melton Cemetery and mourned by the Melton community. Her obituary in the Gisborne Gazette is a testament to how beloved she was by the people she served: ... while in the absence of medical aid residents looked to Grannie as their doctor, philosopher and friend. Hundreds, in fact we might say thousands of people held the deceased in veneration ... A woman of great energy and determination combined with superior intelligence, Grannie conquered difficulties that would have made many falter... Today Grannie Watts is remembered by her descendants and by many locals in the City of Melton. Created in 1985, Hannah Watts Park honours Grannie Watts’ pioneering work for the health and wellbeing of hundreds of Meltonians. Not only is the park a fitting tribute to the memory of an outstanding citizen, it also continues to provide today’s residents and visitors with a space to walk, relax, gather and celebrate in Melton" .Tom Minns holding Debra Wain, first hospital baby to be born In Melton since 1921. Article featured in the Herald. Mother Rhonda Wain is featured in the photo too. local identities, local significant events

This document is has been compiled by Wendy Barrie daughter of Ernest (Bon) and Edna Barrie and granddaughter of Charles E and Jessie M Barrie. Ernie Barrie operated a travelling Chaff Cutter in the St Arnaud area where his parents William and Mary Ann had taken up land at Coonooer West in 1873. Ernie commenced his working life with a team of bullocks and a chaff cutter. The earliest connection he had with Melton was in 1887. By the beginning of the 20th century Ernie and his father William and brothers, William, Samuel, James Edwin,[Ted] Robert, Arthur and Albert have been associated with farming and milling in the Melton district. In the early 1900’s Ernie and his brother Ted were in partnership in a Chaff cutting and Hay processing Mill on the corner of Station and Brooklyn road Melton South. The mill was managed by William for a time. By 1906 Charles Ernest and James Edwin were in partnership in the Station Road mill when a connecting rail line across Brooklyn Road for a siding was constructed to the Melton Railway Station. In 1911 the Mill’s letterhead shows C.E. BARRIE Hay Pressing and Chaff Cutting Mills. Melton Railway Station. Telephone No 1 Melton. This Mill as sold to H S K Ward in 1916 and stood until 1977 when it burnt down in a spectacular fire. Ernie built a house at Melton South beside the Chaff Mill at Station Road in 1906 and married Jessie May Lang in August at the Methodist Church. Jessie’s father was Thomas Lang. He came to Melton in 1896 and was the Head Teacher at Melton State School No 430 until he retired in 1917. They had 9 children with 8 surviving to adulthood. Jessie and Ernie had 6 sons and 3 daughters. All the children lived at Darlingsford. In April 1910 the family left Melton for a brief period and moved to a farm in Trundle in NSW. They returned to Melton and purchased Darlingsford in May 1911. For a time during WW1 they lived at Moonee Ponds near the Lang grandparents at Ascot Vale. Mary and Bon attended Bank St State School. The children developed diphtheria in 1916 and their youngest boy, Cecil died of complications. Mary and Bon were taken to Fairfield Hospital and both recovered. At the end of the war influenza broke out the family returned to Darlingsford and shared the home for a short while with the Pearcey family who had been working the farm. By 1922 the family had and grown and Edgar, Tom, Horace, Jessie, Joyce and Jim were living a Darlingsford. Ernie continued during the 1920’s working the farm and attend his many civic and community commitments. Two 8 clydesdale horse teams were used to work the land which meant early rising for the horses to be fed and harnessed to commence the days work. In 1916 Ernie also became involved in a Chaff Mill on the corner of Sunshine and Geelong Road West Footscray, which at the time was being run by John Ralph Schutt. It was known an Schutt Barrie. A flour mill was added at a later stage. Other Schutt and Barrie mills were situated at Parwan and Diggers Rest. Another mill was situated beside the railway line at Rockbank. The Footscray mill ceased operation in 1968 Ernie spent a lot of time and energy at the Parwan Mill and travelling around Parwan and Balliang farms, where he came to know many of the families in the district. Ernies commitment to the civic development to the Melton and district was extensive, he was involved with a number of large events during the 1920’s such as the Melton Exhibitions and the 1929 Back to Melton Celebrations. He was a member of the Australian Natives Association at the turn of the century. He was Chairman of the School Committee at Melton State School 430 and the Melton South State School in thw1920s. He donated the land for a Hall for Melton South in 1909, known as Exford Hall and later in 1919 renamed Victoria Hall. The Hall was demolished in 1992. He was a Councillor, JP, and Vice President and President of the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall Committee in 1915- 1916. He was a member of the Methodist Church and later the Scots Presbyterian Church. He was Superintendent of the Sunday School of the Methodist Church to 1910 and later Scots Presbyterian Church until 1931. This is reflected in the theme of children in the stained glass window which was dedicated in his memory by his wife Jessie as a gift to the Scots Church. Charles Ernest Barrie made many generous donations to many charities who supported young people and children. In 1918 Jessie and Ernie made the first donation to a very prominent Victorian charity whose work still continues. Yooralla. In July 1931 Ernie’s untimely death was a major blow to the family and the Melton community. To this day people still vividly recall the day they lined the streets for his funeral. The day of the funeral is recalled as the day Melton stood as two of their prominent citizens who tragically died on the same dayPhotograph of Charles Ernest Barrie taken from Scenes at Melton and Old Residentslocal identities